Great Falls Park, Virginia
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Just outside of Washington, D.C. on the Virginian banks of the Potomac River sits Great Falls Park. It’s the perfect place to add onto a road trip checklist when you’re visiting the nation’s capital and checking out monuments—or great to visit all on its own. Virginia is full of beautiful, natural scenery, and this park is high on the list.
While it’s not a large park, Great Falls Park still offers plenty to do in terms of recreational opportunities. Not only are the sights incredible, hiking the trails and rafting on the Potomac River are both fun-filled activities and great ways to while away a day. And, of course, the Great Falls themselves are quite a sight to behold.
Obviously, the waterfalls are a major attraction—the park is clearly named after them. There are three overlooks from which to see the Great Falls, which are located on the Potomac River. They’re all a five to ten-minute walk from the visitor center.
The falls themselves are an area where the Potomac River speeds up and crashes over and around several rock outcroppings. It also narrows down, flowing into the Mather Gorge. They total about a 76-foot drop, and flow through a series of major cascades causing Class V-VI whitewater rapids.
There are 15 miles of hiking trails in Great Falls Park. The scenery along the path varies, with different views of the river, a smaller stream called Difficult Run, and beautiful forest. It’s worth noting that swimming and wading are strictly prohibited—the river can be quite dangerous. So, it’s best to enjoy the view from safely on the trail.
Most of these trails range from just under a mile to about 1.5 miles, and vary in difficulty from easy to difficult, with many falling somewhere on the moderate side. Many of the trails are open to both hikers and mountain bikers, with some open to horseback riders as well. The trails are as follows, with distances listed as one way:
Great Falls Park is the home of many historic sites (especially given its proximity to Washington, D.C.). One of these in particular is the Patowmack Canal, the first canal built in the United States that used locks to raise and lower boats. It was built in 1785, and while it’s now mostly ruins, you can see the remains in the park’s visitor center.
You can walk the canal now (it was originally 18 feet deep). There are several locks still around, built of stone blocks. Now it’s a great reminder of what George Washington planned in order to tie our young nation together in blossoming trade. You’ll find other historic locations as well, including foundations and pillars from old cabins in the Matildaville Ghost Town.
There are several cliffs throughout the park, and rock climbing is a popular pastime. In particular, the cliffs above the Potomac in Mather Gorge are frequented by rock climbers. These cliffs are about 60 feet high and made of solid rock, which is great for both expert climbers and new ones alike.
That said, it’s important to always evaluate the rock yourself as you’re about to climb. Some can present quite a challenge, even to experienced climbers. If you’re very green to the sport and want to try it out, you may find a guide in the area who will be able to outfit you and coach you through it.
Many private outfitters in the area offer guided rafting tours. These range in difficulty, with some parts of the Potomac featuring Class V-VI rapids. Many of these tours are about four hours long and are a great way to spend an active day.
You can also kayak through parts of the gorge, though some of these areas are extremely technical and should only be attempted if you’re confident in your abilities. If you’re not at all experienced, many of these same outfitters offer lessons to boost your confidence. And as always, please practice safety when you’re on the water, as the Potomac can be deceivingly powerful.
Nearby Cherry Hill Park offers you all of the RV amenities you’ll love. Start with full hookups, along with free Wi-Fi and cable TV, and you’re well on your way to relaxing in your rental RV at this Great Falls VA RV park. Other amenities include things like two heated pools, sightseeing sessions where you can learn more about D.C., a bus depot so you can leave your RV parked where it is, an onsite café, splash park, hot tub, and a ton more.
Bull Run Regional Park is another great camping spot loaded with amenities to make sure you enjoy your rental RV. Full utility hookups and a camp store mean you’ve got everything you need right there with you, but there’s more to enjoy. A full waterpark is onsite. Their disc golf course and water way are great ways to spend an afternoon. And, trails for hiking mean you can trek out in the woods.
With a private bay to splash around in, a water park to enjoy, and other amenities, Pohick Bay Regional Park is a place you’ll love to stay with the family. Mini golf on site gives you something to do on a lazy afternoon. Go hiking, or paddling, or horseback riding, all right from the park. And if you’re a golfer, the Pohick Bay Golf Course is there for the taking.
In Fairfax County you’ll find Lake Fairfax Park, a campground that offers you waterfront access and plenty of other recreational opportunities. There are programs that teach young ones to fish, a swimming pool with a lazy river, athletic fields, restrooms, and even more. It’s a popular place, so plan on reserving a spot with full utilities ahead of time.
It’s colloquially called Travel Trailer Village, but Prince William Forest RV Campground is a great place to set up your tent for a while. Heated restrooms with showers, laundry, and a swimming pool are a few of the basic amenities you’ll find here. It’s tucked in the middle of a forest, particularly close to several other locations you may want to visit, like Mt. Vernon and Manassas Battleground.
Inside Great Falls Park you’ll find a snack bar window and a food truck that visits the park on occasion, usually three or four days a week. These places offer hearty lunch options, so you’ll definitely have something to enjoy while you’re there. Pack your own snacks, though. The food truck tends to have both meat and vegetarian options, accommodating most diets.
You’ll find any kind of food you can imagine in both McClean and Great Falls, near the park. From a number of Italian restaurants to classic diners with delicious burgers, there’s something for even the pickiest eater. Many ethnic foods—from Korean to Greek to Cajun to Thai—are also available.
Great Falls and McClean both offer a nice, small town atmosphere that won’t feel like you’re driving into the big city (like D.C.) in order to get a bite. They’re quaint and perfect to visit on a day when you’re just ready to get out of the woods for a while.